Intersections of Technology and Civil Society

Abstract

Technological developments of the last 30 years have revolutionized societies and democratised participation. The prospects for integrating more technological solutions to complex issues are growing while the role of civil society is shifting and in some cases diminishing. This report discusses how technology is disrupting civil society, especially with regard to disintermediation, and draws out what to anticipate about the future of civil society in the digital age. It reviews how technology has affected civil society, given the advent of disruptive innovation, new manifestations of civic engagement and the proliferation of new complex problems; identifies some of the ways in which civil society is experiencing disintermediation as a direct and indirect result of technology; and draws out some of the ways in which civil society might adapt to become more resilient towards the future. K4D helpdesk reports provide summaries of current research, evidence and lessons learned. This report was commissioned by the UK Department for International Development